From Canadian Parents for French - BC & Yukon www.cpf.bc.caVancouver - According to the Federal Budget released today, there will be $400.0 million in new funding over five years, starting in 2018–19, with $88.4 million per year ongoing, in support of the Action Plan for Official Languages 2018-2023. One targeted component of this new funding will be to address the critical shortage of French teachers across Canada.

"We are incredibly pleased the Federal Government listened to the needs of our education system. New programs, initiatives, and incentives will help school districts across British Columbia recruit and retain much needed French teachers. This is a good day for parents and educators," said Diane Tijman, President Canadian Parents for French BC & YK.

In a 2014 CPF BC & YK Report 86% of school districts in British Columbia indicated that it was "challenging" or "very challenging" to recruit French teachers. The shortage became more dire following changes to class size and composition stemming from the 2017 Supreme Court ruling.

Tijman concluded, "French second language programs are phenomenally popular across British Columbia. Parents rightly recognize that programs such as French immersion as a life-changing educational experience. This new Federal funding will help strengthen and expand opportunities for all youth in our province to learn Canada's two Official Languages."